Considering that digitization was still smiled at a few years ago, two-thirds of retailers look at it today as an opportunity to thrive, aware of the fact that shop systems will be much more than just additional distribution channels in the future. The boundaries between online, offline and mobile will continue to merge and the distribution channels no longer coexist but used in combination the way consumers want them to. Hence, the cross-channel shopping experience is at the top of every merchant’s list when it comes to customer expectations.

In order to meet consumers’ demands, online retailers must respond to changes in user behavior and start with innovative solutions for their online shop and get into strategic partnerships. Otherwise, they can’t manage to pick up the customer at exactly the right touchpoint, to provide cross-channel products and prices, and to consider the overarching megatrends of e-commerce. Only with the best from the online and offline worlds, can retailers prepare and compete for the trade of tomorrow and they seem to know that well, considering the huge numbers Lazada Group presented on Monday for its media event in Singapore.

The pioneer of the eCommerce ecosystem in Southeast Asia operates 6 countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam), has 400,000 sellers and 3,000 brands serving 560 million consumers in the region through its marketplace platform, supported by a wide range of tailored marketing, data, and service solutions.

With 300 million stock keeping units (SKUs) available, Lazada offers the widest range of products in categories from beauty, fashion, and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, sports equipment and groceries. Focused on delivering an excellent customer experience, it offers multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery, comprehensive customer care and hassle-free returns through its own first and last mile delivery arm supported by approximately 100 logistics partners.

Building entrepreneurs into thriving businesses in the digital economy

During the event, Mr. S Iswaran, Minister for Communications and Information, joined Pierre Poignant, executive president, Lazada Group and Simon Baptist, global chief economist and managing director of EIU in Asia, for an interactive discussion on e-Commerce trends and growth in Southeast Asia, facilitated by the international media personality Anita Kapoor.

Pierre Poignant, Executive President, Lazada Group pointed out that “the new generation of sellers no longer views eCommerce as a good-to-have, but a necessity in order to drive success and that eCommerce players like Lazada can be strategic partners to sellers who are committed to their professional and business growth.”

“Due to a lack of access to financial and support services, as well as a need to develop capacity in e-payments and eCommerce, Lazada could be a good solution for overcoming the challenges of cross-border trade, Simon Baptist, Global Chief Economist and Managing Director, Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) in Asia, added, besides mentioning that logistics remains a huge challenge for eCommerce players big and small across Southeast Asia as a result of limited fulfilment players, a small and fragmented transportation sector, as well as vastly different infrastructure landscapes.

On customer experience, panelists identified data and technology as the two key factors that will dynamically evolve the experience for online shoppers, due to Southeast Asia’s heterogeneity. eCommerce businesses that can leverage data to navigate specific local consumer tastes and direct consumers to take desired actions are well-poised to succeed.

The eCommerce sector also presents tremendous opportunities for local talents and communities, the discussion highlighted, thanks to a wider access to social media, working flexibility and new innovative tools, that especially attract female entrepreneurs to start their businesses while taking care of their families at home.

While we are at it, Lucy Peng, CEO, Lazada Group announced that eight million eCommerce entrepreneurs and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Southeast Asia will be supported by Lazada to grow and thrive by 2030, As part of the pledge, Lazada will assist SMEs to digitize their businesses and gain better access to Internet-savvy and mobile consumers; make it easier for sellers to create their own brands on Lazada; while leveraging the company’s logistics network to facilitate the transfer of goods.

As the region’s leading online shopping and selling platform, Lazada is committed to help sellers reach more customers, hence, it developed various initiatives, comprehensive tools and dedicated trainings that enable sellers of all sizes to attract, engage and convert more consumers into sales.

Tap, Play, Check-Out – Win!

Dubbed its biggest one-day sale, shoppers can look forward to more than 50 million deals on 11.11, including discounts of up to 90% on more than one million items during the 24-hour shopping spree, Lucy announced when promoting Lazada’s biggest shopping festival across Southeast Asia and the year-end shopping season.

The exciting event line-up marks Lazada’s participation in the 11.11 Global Shopping Festival for the first time together with other Alibaba Group platforms including Taobao and Tmall. On top of more than RMB10 billion in daily hongbao giveaways and shop coupons for select categories up for grabs for all Taobao and Tmall users, there will be even more promotional offers such as promo codes and free shipping deals on selected items.

This year’s 10th anniversary celebration of 11.11 by the whole of Alibaba Group is simply set to be the largest ever yet for consumers worldwide, Lucy explained. In what has become a uniquely Lazada experience, shoppers can expect exciting games while collecting discount and promotion vouchers in addition to shopping for their favorite brands. From November 1, shoppers can start collecting promotion vouchers through popular games such as “Shake It” and “Slash It” in the run-up to the Lazada 11.11 Shopping Festival.

This year, Lazada will be introducing a brand-new game as part of its 11.11 Shopping Festival celebration. “Wonderland” is an interactive map that allows shoppers to discover 11.11 deals from various brands as well as win special Lazada or store vouchers for their purchases while they indulge in the biggest one-day sale. In fact, it is already setting new records - over 50 million blockbuster deals will be offered, far surpassing last year’s record of 27 million, more than 400,000 sellers and brands will participate, nearly three times more than last year, more freebies given out with any purchases, and free shipping offered in select countries. In addition, 1,111 celebrities and influencers across Southeast Asia will come together with their fans to celebrate the Lazada 11.11 Shopping Festival and build a mega online shopping community through live-streaming sessions, Facebook and Instagram posts. For the first time, Lazada is even featuring its own Lazada playlist on Spotify, so that consumers can shop while listening to their favorite tunes.

Clearly, the 11th day, of the 11th month, of an 11 Universal Year (2+0+1+8=11) will bring in phenomenal sales results, and numerologists get excited about the rare 11:11:11 constellation. The last time we experienced a Universal 11 Year was back in 2009, they pointed out, and before that it was 1910, meaning over 99% of the world’s population have only ever experienced one or two 11 Universal Years in their lifetimes. So, no wonder the entire planet is feeling the effects of this incredibly rare vibration and this year’s Single Day sales is expected to break all previous records.

If you look at the shape of the Number 11, it represents two pillars, a gateway, which opens a direct portal between divine inspiration and grounded manifestation. Triple this (11:11:11) and we’re talking manifestation at light speed! So, on Sunday (November 11th, 2018), the 11:11:11 portal flies wide open forming the most potent manifesting gateway of the decade, which means to can expect an abundance of potentials and offers!

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